Garren WoodFishing Hook Reference
Save this hook to your account to build a list you can come back to.
The Mustad 3718 is a Carlisle-pattern bait hook manufactured by O. Mustad & Søn in Oslo, Norway, during the 1930s–1950s era. This is the quintessential vintage European bait hook, engineered with an extra-long shank and wide round bend specifically designed for live-bait fishing with worms, minnows, and crayfish.
The 3718 combines a hollow point for delicate initial penetration with a turned-down ball eye and bronzed finish. The defining characteristic is its exceptionally long shank relative to gap width (ratio ~5:1), which served two critical functions in pre-modern tackle: preventing large-mouthed fish from swallowing the bait deep into the stomach, and protecting fragile silk or gut fishing line from being severed by the abrasive teeth of pike and bass.
This specimen, size No. 3, represents an unusual intermediate sizing convention from the pre-standardization era of hook manufacturing. The Oslo designation on the label firmly establishes production post-1925, and the elaborate gold-leaf Key Brand border and purple ink stamp are hallmarks of Mustad’s mid-twentieth-century packaging. The 3718 remains a historically significant example of industrial Norwegian hook manufacturing at its peak.
4 cataloged imagesSelect any record to load it above.
4 images shown
The hollow point geometry on the 3718 represents a deliberate engineering choice for delicate-tissue penetration. The concave, dished-out inner face creates an incredibly fine, razor-sharp tip that flares rapidly toward the barb. This design excels at achieving initial penetration with minimal applied force—critical when using soft, fragile live baits that might tear under aggressive hook-sets.
The extra-long shank serves multiple biomechanical functions. For bulky live baits like nightcrawlers or minnows, the extended shank prevents the fish from easily swallowing the bait during the strike, reducing fatal deep-hooking. The shank also acts as a physical barrier, protecting vulnerable silk or gut leaders from contact with the fish’s mouth structures and abrasive dentition.
The bronzed finish—a baked lacquer mimicking bronze hue—was chosen for its natural appearance and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for freshwater environments where a stealthy, non-flash presentation was desired. The finish also protected the high-carbon steel from atmospheric oxidation, extending the hook’s functional lifespan in damp storage conditions.
Physical measurement with calipers
We don't have measured sizes for this hook yet. Own one? Submit calipered measurements and we'll review and add them. Thank you!
O. Mustad & Søn was founded in 1832 in Gjøvik, Norway, initially as Brusveen Spiger- og Staltradfabrikk, specializing in nails and steel wire. The company was acquired by Hans Schikkelstad’s son-in-law, Ole Hovelsen Mustad, and his son, Hans Mustad, who rebranded the firm as O. Mustad & Søn.
The defining moment in Mustad’s history occurred in 1877 when Mathias Topp invented the first fully automated hook-making machine, which could continuously cut, bend, barb, and point hooks at unprecedented speed. Rather than patent this innovation, the Mustad family relied on strict corporate secrecy and non-disclosure agreements to maintain competitive advantage against rivals in Redditch, England, and throughout Japan and the United States.
By the 1950s, Mustad had secured approximately 50% of the global hook production market, with sales offices and manufacturing facilities across multiple continents. The company relocated operations from Gjøvik to Oslo during the early twentieth century to better serve European and transatlantic markets. Mustad remains one of the largest fishing hook manufacturers in history and continues production today, though much manufacturing has been relocated outside Norway.
The Mustad 3718 is a member of the Carlisle family of hooks, a pattern originating in England and reverse-engineered by Mustad for global mass production. The Carlisle bend is characterized by a wide, round bend and extra-long shank, engineered specifically for live-bait fishing with bulky presentations.
Within Mustad’s catalog, the 3718 occupied the ‘Quality’ tier (3000–3999 range), indicating mid-tier products manufactured to exacting dimensional and tempering standards. The sibling 3191 Carlisle model was also produced during the same era and remains in some modern catalogs.
The Carlisle pattern was eventually superseded by more efficient modern designs, though vintage examples remain highly sought by collectors and are occasionally employed in specialized traditional fly-tying applications. The transition from the arbitrary ‘Quality’ numbering system to Mustad’s modern ‘Signature Series’ (c. 2001–2009) marked the end of the classic labeling era and discontinuation of many vintage model numbers.
Oslo designation on Line 3 indicates post-1925 manufacture (city renamed January 1, 1925). Elaborate gold-leaf Key Brand border and decorative floral print pattern characteristic of Mustad's pre-1960s packaging. Purple ink size stamp typical of 1930s–1950s Mustad production. Box construction, paper stock, and letterpress print method consistent with mid-twentieth-century Norwegian manufacture.
Size No. 3 is a quirk of the pre-standardization era of hook manufacturing. In modern production, companies typically stick to even-numbered sizes (2, 4, 6, 8, etc.) for manufacturing efficiency. However, during the early-to-mid twentieth century, regional market demands in Europe and North America allowed Mustad to produce intermediate sizes such as No. 3, No. 5, and No. 7. These odd sizes eventually disappeared from production as standardization and cost efficiency became paramount. Finding a vintage No. 3 Carlisle is a delightful anomaly—a reminder that the fishing hook industry was once more responsive to local and specialized demand.
The Carlisle bend originated in the British Isles, likely Redditch, England, as a specialized bait-fishing pattern. Its defining feature—an extra-long shank combined with a wide round bend—emerged from the practical demands of fishing with bulky live baits in river systems inhabited by large, aggressive species.
Mustad’s reverse-engineering strategy involved identifying this proven regional pattern and manufacturing it at industrial scale with the mechanical precision enabled by their proprietary automated hook-making machines. By the 1920s–1930s, the Carlisle was available worldwide under the Mustad Key Brand, effectively displacing regional English manufactures from markets they had previously dominated.
The Carlisle has not been substantially modified since its standardization; modern variants retain the characteristic wide round bend and extended shank. The pattern influenced subsequent designs such as the Aberdeen (a lighter-wire Carlisle variant) and the Virginia pattern.
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93400 No. 3 — Mustad 93400 | 79% | Compare | ||
|
31868 No. 8 — Mustad-Carlisle Hooks | 78% | Compare | |
|
552 No. 1 — Grade 552 Carlisle Fish Hooks | 75% | Compare | |
|
3192 No. t stamped on visible label (P) — Carlisle Hook | 74% | Compare | |
|
3907 A No. 8 — Mustad 3907 A | 74% | Compare |
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
3192 No. t stamped on visible label (P) — Carlisle Hook | 98% | Compare |
|
3201 No. 12 — Mustad-Carlisle Superior Hook | 98% | Compare |
|
3191 A No. 2 — Mustad-Carlisle Hooks | 97% | Compare |
|
3665A No. 4 — Mustad 3665A Limerick | 97% | Compare |
|
3785 No. 3/0 — Mustad 3785 | 97% | Compare |
The Mustad 3718 Carlisle is principally a live-bait hook for freshwater fishing. It is ideally suited to ‘still fishing’ presentations with bulky live baits such as large earthworms, nightcrawlers, minnows, and small crayfish. The extra-long shank prevents large-mouthed fish (particularly bass and pike) from swallowing the bait deeply into the stomach during initial take, reducing gut-hooking and fish mortality. The shank also acts as a mechanical barrier, protecting vulnerable silk or gut leaders from the sharp, abrasive teeth of predatory species.
In the modern era, the Carlisle pattern is occasionally employed by streamer fly tyers working with very long-bodied patterns (such as classic Grey Ghost designs) where the round bend and extended shank provide a pleasing aesthetic profile unavailable in contemporary fly-specific bends.
Vintage streamer fly tying for elongated baitfish imitations. Historical live-bait fishing in European river systems.
Not typically used for fly tying.
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustad 3191 Carlisle | Excellent | Direct modern descendant of the 3718, same bend pattern and Carlisle family |
| Mustad 3261 Aberdeen | Very Good | Lighter-wire Carlisle variant; similar shank length and bend geometry |
| Tiemco 9300 | Good | Modern universal streamer hook with comparable shank length for long-bodied patterns |
The Mustad 3718 is scarce in original packaging, particularly in intermediate sizes like No. 3. The combination of classic Mustad mid-twentieth-century design, historical significance in bait-hook engineering, and well-preserved labeling elevate collector interest. Limiting factors include modest commercial demand (bait hooks lack the prestige of fly-specific patterns) and relative availability compared to more famous Mustad models like the 3906 wet fly.
Positive Factors: This is a quintessential vintage Mustad bait hook with impeccable provenance (Oslo-era packaging post-1925). The elaborate gold-leaf Key Brand border and eight-line label format are instantly recognizable and highly photogenic. The intermediate size No. 3 adds scarcity value compared to standard even-numbered sizes. Original 100-hook packaging is a major draw. The hook exemplifies the industrial sophistication of Norwegian manufacturing at mid-twentieth century. Historical significance as a reverse-engineered English pattern standardized for global export is strong.
Limiting Factors: Bait hooks command less collector enthusiasm than dry-fly or salmon-fly patterns. The Carlisle bend, while historically important, lacks the mystique of specialized patterns like the Limerick or Dublin. Size No. 3 is genuinely odd and limits appeal to anglers seeking practical user hooks. The relative abundance of Mustad products in vintage markets (compared to rarer British makers) can depress premium pricing. No single extraordinary feature (unlike, say, a rare eye type or exotic finish) commands premium attention.
Kraft cardboard box with inset label. Label printed in gold ink with ornamental floral border on cream/white paper stock. Eight-line format: Key Brand logo (downward-pointing skeleton key) upper left; O. MUSTAD & SÖN; MANUFACTURERS; OSLO – NORWAY; Qual. 3718; Hollow Point; Mustad-Carlisle Hooks; 100 T.d. ball-eye Rustproof; No. 3 (stamped in purple ink); Made in Norway. Decorative rule lines above and below main text. Light surface toning and edge wear consistent with age and storage.
Pricing reflects the combination of vintage mid-century Mustad packaging, intermediate size scarcity, and condition of specimen. Intact original box with legible label commands premium over loose hooks. Comparable sales on eBay and specialist vintage tackle dealers range $15–35 USD depending on size availability, packaging condition, and lot size. Odd sizes (No. 3) tend toward the higher range. Bait hooks without exceptional rarity or fame do not fetch the premiums commanded by classic dry-fly or salmon patterns.
Vintage tackle dealers specializing in European hooks. eBay auctions of bulk vintage hook lots. Specialized fishing tackle fairs and antique dealers in Norway, UK, and North America. Mustad vintage boxes are less commonly found in dedicated fly-fishing antique shops (which tend to focus on Redditch patterns), but appear regularly in general vintage tackle auctions. Original packaging significantly increases findability and premium.
The Mustad 3718 can be confidently identified by several hallmarks: (1) Eight-line Mustad label format with Oslo designation (post-1925); (2) ‘Qual. 3718’ model code on Line 4; (3) ‘Hollow Point’ designation on Line 5; (4) ‘Mustad-Carlisle Hooks’ on Line 6; (5) ‘T.d. ball-eye’ and ‘Rustproof’ on Lines 7–8; (6) Ornate gold-leaf Key Brand border characteristic of pre-1960s Mustad packaging; (7) Purple ink size stamp (‘No. 3’) in lower left corner; (8) ‘Made in Norway’ footer. The extra-long shank and wide round bend are immediately visually distinctive. Size No. 3 is an odd intermediate size that was eventually discontinued.
Store the original box in a cool, dry environment away from direct light and humidity. The bronzed finish is relatively stable but will develop a natural patina with age and moisture exposure; this is generally considered desirable by collectors and reflects the hook’s history. Keep the box in its sealed or intact state whenever possible—original packaging is a major component of collectability and value.
If the hooks must be removed, store them in a low-humidity container with silica gel or desiccant packets. Avoid contact with other metals to prevent galvanic corrosion. Do not attempt to ‘clean’ the bronzed finish with solvents or abrasive methods; the finish is a baked lacquer coating that may be damaged by aggressive restoration. Natural patina development is preferable to refinishing.
The kraft cardboard box itself should be handled minimally and stored flat or upright in a stable position. Avoid exposure to temperature fluctuations, which can cause paper stress and ink flaking. If the label shows significant water damage or mold, seek advice from a vintage tackle conservator before attempting any restoration.
The specimen displays a single handwritten annotation: the size number ‘No. 3’ stamped in purple ink in the lower left corner of the label. This is a factory stamp rather than personal annotation. Purple ink is characteristic of Mustad’s production era (1930s–1950s), applied during the labeling phase to mark the specific hook size for the box. No other pencil marks, initials, or personal annotations are visible on the packaging or hooks themselves.
The absence of secondary markings (such as price notation, retailer codes, or personal identifiers) suggests that this box was either well-preserved in a collection or remained in original inventory without retail handling.
The documented size No. 3 is an intermediate designation that falls between the more common No. 2 and No. 4 sizes produced in the modern era. Intermediate sizes (No. 3, 5, 7, 9, etc.) were common during the early-to-mid twentieth century but were eventually discontinued as hook manufacturers standardized production around even-numbered scales for manufacturing efficiency.
The presence of a No. 3 Carlisle in original Mustad packaging is noteworthy because it reflects the pre-standardization era when regional market demands supported the production of specialized intermediate sizes. European anglers, in particular, favored these intermediate gradations. Modern fly-tyers seeking a comparable Carlisle would need to choose between a No. 2 or No. 4, as No. 3 has been absent from production for several decades.
This intermediate sizing contributes modestly to the rarity and collectability of the specimen.
Source: Mustad Label Typology Reference: A Comprehensive Typology and Decryption of Vintage O. Mustad & Søn Hook Labels
The label represents Mustad’s standardized eight-line typographic format, a system engineered to communicate technical specifications across linguistic and geographic barriers. Each line serves a distinct function:
Line 1: O. MUSTAD & SÖN — Corporate identity and ultimate manufacturer authority.
Line 2: MANUFACTURERS — Establishes Mustad’s role as the primary manufacturer, not an import agent or repackager.
Line 3: OSLO – NORWAY — Geographic origin. The ‘Oslo’ designation (rather than Christiania, the city’s former name until 1925) confirms production post-January 1, 1925.
Line 4: Qual. 3718 — Quality code indicating a mid-tier product (3000–3999 range) manufactured to exacting standards.
Line 5: Hollow Point — Exclusive point-type designation, strictly governed by Mustad’s labeling rules.
Line 6: Mustad-Carlisle Hooks — Pattern name, identifying the cloned English bend pattern.
Lines 7–8: 100 T.d. ball-eye Rustproof / No. 3 Made in Norway — Supplementary features (eye type, quantity, finish, size, origin).
This rigid format allowed Mustad to encode complex technical information in a compact, universally legible space. The presence of this eight-line label structure is a definitive marker of vintage Mustad production (pre-c. 2001) before the company transitioned to the modern Signature Series nomenclature.
| P | Photographically verified — Directly observable in the photograph(s) on this page. |
| V | Verified by documentation — Confirmed by manufacturer catalog, spec sheet, or published reference. |
| I | Inferred — A logical deduction from observable or documented evidence, not directly stated. |
| E | Estimated — An approximation based on visual comparison, proportional analysis, or limited data. |
| S | Speculative — A reasoned hypothesis that cannot be confirmed from available evidence. |
Claims with no notation are confirmed by multiple independent sources. All photographs on garrenwood.com are taken on a measurement grid where each square equals 1/10 inch (0.1″ / 2.54 mm).
Your cart is empty.